Downspout Water System

ABSTRACT

A system is provided that includes a downspout upper and lower section whereby the lower section selectively pivots from a substantially vertical to horizontal position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The efficient handling of rainwater from buildings is a continual source of concern. While it is typically most desirable to direct rainwater away from a structure, horizontal directional water troughs often create an undesirable hazard near buildings.

The present invention addresses this concern by providing a retractable, motorized, downspout system

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention is a downspout system comprising:

-   -   a downspout upper section having a water inlet and at least one         water outlet;     -   a downspout lower section having a water inlet constructed and         arranged to receive water from the outlet of the downspout upper         section;     -   a pivot body secured to the downspout lower section, whereby         said pivot body is constructed and arranged with a pivot that         imparts rotational pivotal motion about said pivot;     -   at least one water sensor; and     -   at least one water directional valve; whereby said system         directs water entering the downspout upper section away from a         structure on which the system is positioned.

In one embodiment, there is a counter balance weight associated with said downspout lower section. This counter balance is positioned as desired on the lower section. Although demonstrated placement in the drawings is on an end, placement is varied as desired and needed to achieve the intended purpose and function.

In one embodiment, the water sensor is operatively associated with a motor.

In one embodiment, the water sensor is operatively associated with a motor constructed and arranged to rotate said downspout lower section between substantially horizontal and vertical positions. Although the drawings demonstrate a degree of rotation of approximately 90 degrees, if the system is positioned above an inclined surface, degree of rotation can be greater than 90 degrees in order to achieve the desired drainage.

In one embodiment, the system is further comprising at least one water reservoir associated with said downspout lower section.

BRIEF DECSRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side partial cross-section view of components of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side partial cross-section view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side partial cross-section view of one embodiment of the present invention demonstrative of the lower section of the downspout in an extended position.

FIG. 5 is a side partial cross-section view of one embodiment of the present invention to mantra to of the downspout and water storage areas.

FIG. 6 is a side partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention demonstrating an extended downspout and water storage areas.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to a downspout system constructed and arranged to extend and direct water away from a downspout vertical portion when moisture is present.

Downspout water system 10 is operatively associated with a conventional eavestrough 12. System 10 further includes a downspout upper section 14 and a downspout lower section 16. Downspout lower section 16 is operatively associated with pivot body 18 that is constructed and arranged to rotate about pivot 20. Counterbalance weight 22 is configured to assist for the rotational pivotal movement of downspout lower section 16. In one embodiment, water sensor 24 is operatively associated with motor 26 such that when water is sent by water sensor 24 motor 26 rotates lower downspout 16 and provides for a path for moving water away from downspout upper section 14. In one embodiment, butterfly valve 28 is included in system 10. System 10 further includes transfer pipe 30 that selectively directs water based on operation of butterfly valve 28 in the closed position 38 as demonstrated in FIG. 3. Direct channel arrows 40 demonstrated in the various figures provide for indication as to water flow direction. Full water level line 46 represents a filled water level in downspout lower section 16. Full water level line 48 demonstrates the full water level in downspouts upper section 14.

In one embodiment, as demonstrated in FIG. 4 downspout lower section 14 pivotally rotates from a horizontal position as demonstrated by the directional arrow in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, water flows through system 10, traveling from eavestrough 12 through downspout upper section 14 then through downspout lower section 16 ultimately exiting downspout lower section 16 through downspout lower section exit 44.

In one embodiment, as demonstrated in FIG. 5a 52 is constructed and arranged with a submersible, reversible water pump 56 operatively associated with lower tank liquid sensor 64. When lower tank liquid level LXVI contact sensor 64 pump 56 is activated draws water into pump 56 through pump inlet port 58 and directs water outward through transfer to 60. Water eventually is placed into upper tank 54 having upper tank water sensor 34 positioned therein.

In one embodiment, as demonstrated in FIG. 6 accumulated water is positions in each of lower tank 52 and upper tank 54 until each of respective water levels 66 actuates lower tank liquid sensor 64 and upper tank water sensor 32. The system then expels water through downspout lower section exit 44.

Although counterbalance 22 is demonstrated by the figures in a particular position, various configurations provide for counterbalance 22 to be positioned in various areas along lower downspout 16.

In use, water enters upper downspout 14 and actuates water sensor 24. Once sensor 24 is actuated, motor 26 extends lower downspouts 16 by providing rotational motion about pivot 20. This has the overall effect of moving lower section downspout 16 from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position extending away from a structure where system 10 is positioned.

In one embodiment, movement of downspout lower section 16 is initiated when water accumulates and provides weight that exceeds counterbalance weight 22 and provides for the pivotal rotational motion of lower downspouts 16.

Lower downspout 16 remains in the rotated/extended position as demonstrated in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, until such time as water no longer provides the sufficient weight against counterbalance weight 22. Once there is not enough water to provide sufficient weight against counterbalance 22, lower downspouts 16 retracts by pivotal rotation to a substantially vertical position as demonstrated by directional arrows in the figures and shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

While the invention has been described in its preferred form or embodiment with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A downspout system comprising: a downspout upper section having a water inlet and at least one water outlet; a downspout lower section having a water inlet constructed and arranged to receive water from the outlet of the downspout upper section; a pivot body secured to the downspout lower section, whereby said pivot body is constructed and arranged with a pivot that imparts rotational pivotal motion about said pivot; at least one water sensor; and at least one water directional valve; whereby said system directs water entering the downspout upper section away from a structure on which the system is positioned.
 2. The system of claim 1 including at least one counter balance weight associated with said downspout lower section.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said water sensor is operatively associated with a motor.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said water sensor is operatively associated with a motor constructed and arranged to rotate said downspout lower section between substantially horizontal and vertical positions.
 5. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one water reservoir associated with said downspout lower section. 